Virtual Learning - Flexible Instruction Day (FID) Guidelines for Parents/Guardians
For the 2023-2024 School year, Brandywine Heights Area School District will be utilizing Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs), which may be used in place of a school day that would be cancelled due to inclement weather or another emergency situation. On a FID, students will complete learning activities and assignments provided by their teachers at home.
What is a Flexible Instruction Day (FID)?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approved the use of Flexible Instructional Days (FID) as an alternate form of instruction in place of a day otherwise cancelled due to inclement weather or building emergency. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will count this as a full day of school toward the required 180 school days. The District has been approved to use up to a maximum of five (5) FIDs for this school year. On a FID, students will complete learning assignments provided by the teacher at home on the day that otherwise would have been cancelled. Students will receive assignments for each subject that would have originally taken place during a regular school day.
What is the benefit of a FID?
Implementing a FID will not require additional make-up days when school is cancelled. In the past, make-up days have shortened spring break or extended the school year. The District can use up to five (5) FIDs per school year. FIDs are considered a school day and count toward the number of instructional days/hours required under Article 15 of the Public School Code and Chapter 11 of the State Board of Education regulations.
If the District decides to use a FID, how will I know?
The Brandywine Heights Area School District will use its current communication media tools to notify students, parents/guardians, and employees that a flexible instructional day has been instituted. The District will send out information via the Apptegy Alerts system which can send stakeholders a voice message, email, and/or text message explaining that a flexible instructional day will be implemented. The District will also post this information on its website, within the BHASD App, as well as on all District social media pages.
Will every school day that is cancelled because of inclement weather be considered a FID?
FIDs will be utilized for the first five (5) school days cancelled due to inclement weather or other emergency. Any remaining school closures must be made up following the approved academic calendar.
What will be expected of students on a FID?
Students will be expected to attend virtual instruction sessions through Google Classroom Meetings on a Flexible Instruction Days based on the building specific schedules.
ES Virtual Learning Day Schedule
IS Virtual Learning Day Schedule
How does attendance work on a FID?
Student attendance will be determined by attending live (synchronous) instructional sessions on Google Meet and through verification and completion of the assigned activity or lessons. Students should NOT report to school on a FID.
How can I contact a teacher or staff member during a FID?
All staff members will be available through email on the day of a FID. This includes teachers, special area teachers, special education teachers, reading specialists, EL teachers, school counselors, nurses, speech therapists, and administrators unless the individual is ill that day.
Tech support will also be available during a FID. If a technology support request is required, please enter this request at: https://helpdesk.bhasd.org/
My child has an IEP, will their lesson be modified appropriately?
The FID lesson will be designed for students with special needs utilizing their program modifications, specially designed instruction and supplementary aids and services identified in their individualized education plans. Upon return from a FID, teachers of students with special needs will meet with their students to review work submitted, checking for completion and understanding. Any related services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech, etc.) scheduled during the FID will be rescheduled according to the frequency requirements of the students’ individualized education plan.
Will after school activities be cancelled on a FID?
Yes, all after school activities will be cancelled during a FID.